Sad day for PH chess

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PHILIPPINE chess lost another important piece over the weekend.

Generoso "Gene" Poliarco, widely considered as the "Dean of Chess Arbiters" and one of the country's senior officials, passed away last Sunday noon on the way to a hospital from Alaminos, Pangasinan to Dagupan City via ambulance.

He was 77.

The cause of death is cardiac arrest, according to Poliarco's son Louie.

Interment was held yesterday at the Eden Memorial Park in Imus, Cavite.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay led chess officials and players in condoling with the Poliarco family.

"Our deepest and sincerest condolences to the bereaved Poliarco family," said Pichay in a message.

"The whole chess family extends its sincerest and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of IA Gene Poliarco," said Asia's first GM Eugene Torre.

"Your memories will be with us always. You helped establish and direct the shape and form of Philippine chess," said GM Jayson Gonzales.

"Rest in peace, Sir Gene. Siya po ang maituturing nating super GM sa chess arbitration. I first met him when I was 13. And I believe almost all age-groupers ay nakilala at nakasalamuha si Sir Gene," said WGM Janelle Mae Frayna.

Poliarco's death came exactly a week after Filipino-Australian WIM Arianne Caoili passed away following a car accident in Yerevan Armenia.